- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
With their white paws, striking colorpoint coats, and charming white blaze, Snowshoe cats are undeniably eye-catching. But these felines offer more than just good looks!
Descended from Siamese cats, Snowshoes are known for being chatty, playful, and affectionate. They even have a surprising love for water—an unusual trait for cats!
Considering adding a Snowshoe to your family? Here’s everything you need to know about this delightful breed.
Snowshoe Cat Breed Overview
- Other names: Silver Laces
- Personality: Outgoing, confident, smart, playful, and affectionate
- Weight: 6-12 pounds
- Length: up to 30 inches
- Coat length: Short to medium
- Coat color: White or cream coat with darker points in various colors. White paws, bib, and blaze.
- Coat patterns: Colorpoint
- Eye color: All shades of blue
- Lifespan: 14-19 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Origin: USA
- Good with other cats: Yes
- Good with dogs: Yes
- Good with kids: Yes
- Good for first-time pet parents: Yes
Snowshoe Cat Appearance
While adult Snowshoe cats are multicolored, the kittens are born completely white. These markings darken over time, with their full coloration developing within the first few years.
Snowshoes have pointed coats in colors like seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac, and may also feature tabby, bicolor, or tortoiseshell patterns. To meet the breed standard, they must have:
- A white, upside-down “V” between their eyes
- Two white mittens on their front paws
- Two white boots on their back paws
These distinctive markings are the defining trait of the Snowshoe breed.
Another signature feature is their blue eyes, which can range from pale sky blue to deep azure. According to ACFA guidelines, Snowshoes should have walnut-shaped eyes, slightly rounder than those of their Siamese ancestors.
Snowshoe Cat Characteristics
Snowshoes are intelligent, active cats who thrive with plenty of interactive play. To keep them entertained, provide a variety of toys and invest in a cat tree or raised platform—they love high perches! They’re also easy to train using positive reinforcement, such as clicker training. Short training sessions keep their minds sharp and strengthen your bond.
While Snowshoes adore their families, they can be reserved with strangers and often form a strong attachment to one person. If you’re their chosen favorite, expect them to stick by your side! Their love for human company means they may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Confident and outgoing, Snowshoes are a great fit for families and multi-pet households. Like their Siamese ancestors, they’re vocal and enjoy “talking” with their humans.
Unlike most cats, Snowshoes love water—even swimming, as long as it’s on their terms! If they haven’t explored the tub yet, try offering a shallow container of water to see if they’re interested in some splashy fun.
Snowshoe Cat Origin & History
Snowshoe cats get their distinct traits from a unique blend of genes. In the 1960s, a Siamese cat from breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty had a litter of kittens. Three had white feet and socks—markings that aren’t usually seen on Siamese cats.
Hinds-Daugherty decided to breed more cats with these distinctive markings, so crossed the kittens with other breeds including the American Shorthair. Originally called “Silver Laces” the breed was then renamed Snowshoes.
Due to a combination of strict breed standards and the fact that the distinctive markings are due to recessive genes, the Snowshoe’s popularity was slow to grow. But by 1982, the breed was given Championship recognition by the Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF), with The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) following in the early 1990s.
Snowshoe Cat Diet & Nutrition
While Snowshoe cats don’t require a specialized diet, their food should be high in protein, says Dr. Nick Horniman, a veterinary surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy MyPetsVet.
Since these cats are active, they need energy-packed nutrition low in calories. Dr. Horniman says pet parents should choose food tailored to their life stage and activity level.
For Snowshoes with health issues like allergies, it’s important to choose food that addresses their specific needs, such as hypoallergenic formulas or grain-free options. Always consult with your vet to ensure you’re meeting your Snowshoe’s individual dietary requirements.
Snowshoe Cat Grooming
Snowshoe cats have a short to medium-length coat that is relatively low-maintenance, making grooming easy. A weekly brush is typically all that’s needed to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Regular brushing helps remove loose hairs, reduce shedding, and prevent matting, which is especially important for Snowshoes as they enjoy being active and exploring.
In addition to brushing, you need to trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and potential scratching issues. Regular teeth brushing is also important to ensure your Snowshoe has a healthy mouth and no gum disease.
Snowshoe Cat Health
Thankfully Snowshoes are relatively healthy. However, Dr. Horniman says they are more likely to get hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or kidney issues.
HCM is a type of heart disease that thickens heart muscle and makes it less efficient. Meanwhile, the main kidney issue Snowshoes are prone to is chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“This can result from a variety of factors, including genetics and environmental influences,” he explains.
Getting a Snowshoe Cat
Snowshoe cats are a relatively rare breed, so most pet parents find them through specialized breeders. Start by searching through breeder directories from TICA and CFF. A Snowshoe cat price will vary, but expect to pay $500-1000.
You may also find an older Snowshoe cat for adoption at a rescue center but bear in mind that not all cats with white markings and a pointed coat will be Snowshoes. If you’re looking to adopt, it’s less likely that you’ll be able to verify if a cat is the real deal.
Snowshoe Cats Pros & Cons
As with any cat breed, it’s important to research and check if a Snowshoe cat would fit your family and circumstances. Here are some of the main pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Playful
- Affectionate
- Low-maintenance coat
- Great for families with kids and other pets
Cons:
- Can be very vocal
- Prone to some health issues
- Shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods
- Need a lot of mental and physical stimulation
Alternative Cat Breeds
Not sure if a Snowshoe is the right breed for you? Luckily, these breeds share similar characteristics, and might be your perfect match:
- Maine Coon: These large cats also love water, going on adventures, and playing with their families.
- Ragdoll: These sweet and calm cats look similar to Snowshoes, only with longer hair. They’re also slightly more relaxed.
- Ragamuffin: These playful cats love companionship, and can be found with a wide variety of colors, always with adorable white markings.
- Siamese: One of the founding breeds of the Snowshoe, Siamese cats have large personalities, love attention, and have beautiful, pointed coats.
Takeaway
Snowshoe cats are an intelligent, playful, and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for active families and multi-pet households.
With their striking appearance, friendly nature, and unique love of water, Snowshoes bring both charm and energy to any home. If you’re looking for a loyal and engaging kitty, the Snowshoe could be the perfect fit.
